Thinking more about the situation Barbara Arthur posted about, where the
hospital has hired a BFing educator who's not an IBCLC:

You know, they don't hire someone to be Head Nurse (or whatever a given
hospital calls the nsg admin of the unit) who's not an RN, do they, even if
she's a very good manager and plans to become an RN soon? Another example of
breastfeeding being relegated to "oh, anyone can do it, as long as she has
breasts and good intentions" status!

NOT SAYING THAT THE "initials" GUARANTEE SOMEONE IS RIGHT FOR THE JOB! This
newly-hired BF Educator might be the absolute greatest! *But* it does seem
that in a case like this, where a new position is being created and someone
new hired, the job qualifications should include the basic professional
accreditation. Or, at very least, a solid plan for her to co-work or split
responsibilities with someone who *is* qualified until she has demonstrated
competence and/or completed a preparatory course or equivalent training
specific to lactation management and registered to sit the exam.

Cathy Bargar RN IBCLC IThaca NY

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